Plastering with one arm

S

smt0911

New Member
Hey all I’m currently on an insulation course which covers boarding plastering etc, I was born with a defect which means my right arm wasn’t fully developed and finishes at about the elbow/ top of forearm area, with regards to plastering, the issue is holding the hawk and manoeuvring with plaster mix on the hawk while my other hand is using the trowel to scoop it. is there any solutions to how I can overcome this problem or is this simply just a two handed job? I seen a forum on here from years ago but it was closed
 
smt0911 said:
Hey all I’m currently on an insulation course which covers boarding plastering etc, I was born with a defect which means my right arm wasn’t fully developed and finishes at about the elbow/ top of forearm area, with regards to plastering, the issue is holding the hawk and manoeuvring with plaster mix on the hawk while my other hand is using the trowel to scoop it. is there any solutions to how I can overcome this problem or is this simply just a two handed job? I seen a forum on here from years ago but it was closed
Click to expand...
I can't honestly imagine plastering with one arm being very successful. You may figure a way, but I honestly can't give you any advice as how you'll do it.
 
Fair play but I can’t see how you can plaster with 1 arm ,holding the hawk ,boarding ,screeding, just to mention a few ,being honest my personal opinion is it’s definitely a two handed job ,I’m at it 35 years and I know if something happened one of my arms it would be game over plastering wise
 
smt0911 said:
Hey all I’m currently on an insulation course which covers boarding plastering etc, I was born with a defect which means my right arm wasn’t fully developed and finishes at about the elbow/ top of forearm area, with regards to plastering, the issue is holding the hawk and manoeuvring with plaster mix on the hawk while my other hand is using the trowel to scoop it. is there any solutions to how I can overcome this problem or is this simply just a two handed job? I seen a forum on here from years ago but it was closed
Click to expand...
have you tried local hospitals , who supply/fit artificial limbs to patients, that would be my first point of call , there must be something on the market , straps/extensions which could be fitted on to your arm, just something to hold your handboard in place, must be something out there, military hospitals etc, but try your own local hospital .
 
Too many other factors against it, think of working at height on scaffold, HSL, lifting up materials in tubs, loading materials, preparing work areas, holding a handboard is the least of your worries!
Not many jobs are a simple wall.
Follow Hector's advice and get a limb fitted before having a try at potential options.
 
smt0911 said:
Hey all I’m currently on an insulation course which covers boarding plastering etc, I was born with a defect which means my right arm wasn’t fully developed and finishes at about the elbow/ top of forearm area, with regards to plastering, the issue is holding the hawk and manoeuvring with plaster mix on the hawk while my other hand is using the trowel to scoop it. is there any solutions to how I can overcome this problem or is this simply just a two handed job? I seen a forum on here from years ago but it was closed
Click to expand...



Hard old game this is mate.

A lot of stress and strain on the able bodied spreads at the best of times.

Depending on how willing you are, I'm sure you will be able to if you put your mind to it.

I've seen some inspiring mods on YouTube and twitter that enable people to achieve all sorts.

An attachment of sorts to a hawk should enable you flick and cut the muck - and then apply.

It would take a lot of commitment and practice, but I'm certain it's doable.

Best of luck.
 
smt0911 said:
Hey all I’m currently on an insulation course which covers boarding plastering etc, I was born with a defect which means my right arm wasn’t fully developed and finishes at about the elbow/ top of forearm area, with regards to plastering, the issue is holding the hawk and manoeuvring with plaster mix on the hawk while my other hand is using the trowel to scoop it. is there any solutions to how I can overcome this problem or is this simply just a two handed job? I seen a forum on here from years ago but it was closed
Click to expand...
Loads of jobs out there, thread closed .
 
hector said:
have you tried local hospitals , who supply/fit artificial limbs to patients, that would be my first point of call , there must be something on the market , straps/extensions which could be fitted on to your arm, just something to hold your handboard in place, must be something out there, military hospitals etc, but try your own local hospital .
Click to expand...
I've absolutely no experience with a handboard, but my left hand/wrist is doing far more than just holding the hawk whilst plastering. Lots of tilting and tipping, I just can't see any sort of arm extension managing that.
 
essexandy said:
I've absolutely no experience with a handboard, but my left hand/wrist is doing far more than just holding the hawk whilst plastering. Lots of tilting and tipping, I just can't see any sort of arm extension managing that.
Click to expand...
yeah i can see where you are coming from andy, but the technology/advances in false limbs have advanced so much in recent years, personally i would try everything that is out there, speak to doctors/specialists etc, worth a try
 
hector said:
have you tried local hospitals , who supply/fit artificial limbs to patients, that would be my first point of call , there must be something on the market , straps/extensions which could be fitted on to your arm, just something to hold your handboard in place, must be something out there, military hospitals etc, but try your own local hospital .
Click to expand...
Thank you, an extension is what I had in mind I will give this a look.
 
bobski said:
Hard old game this is mate.

A lot of stress and strain on the able bodied spreads at the best of times.

Depending on how willing you are, I'm sure you will be able to if you put your mind to it.

I've seen some inspiring mods on YouTube and twitter that enable people to achieve all sorts.

An attachment of sorts to a hawk should enable you flick and cut the muck - and then apply.

It would take a lot of commitment and practice, but I'm certain it's doable.

Best of luck.
Click to expand...
I’m quite willing to learn this as the whole aspect of plastering is intriguing and appeals to me however if it’s not meant to be then I’ll simply have to accept it, I’ve spoken to my GP with what you’ve suggested. I appreciate the response I’ll follow up with any solutions I find.
 
smt0911 said:
I’m quite willing to learn this as the whole aspect of plastering is intriguing and appeals to me however if it’s not meant to be then I’ll simply have to accept it, I’ve spoken to my GP with what you’ve suggested. I appreciate the response I’ll follow up with any solutions I find.
Click to expand...
You're obviously a doer, someone who wants to 'give it a go', which is an admirable quality, but this does smack of square peg into a round hole. There must be loads of things that someone with your tenacity would excel at.
 
smt0911 said:
Hey all I’m currently on an insulation course which covers boarding plastering etc, I was born with a defect which means my right arm wasn’t fully developed and finishes at about the elbow/ top of forearm area, with regards to plastering, the issue is holding the hawk and manoeuvring with plaster mix on the hawk while my other hand is using the trowel to scoop it. is there any solutions to how I can overcome this problem or is this simply just a two handed job? I seen a forum on here from years ago but it was closed
Click to expand...
Yes.

I once worked for a plasterer with one hand. Not only did he learn to plaster with one hand, it wasn't his dominant hand.

The NHS made him a clamp thing to hold the hawk.

It is possible.

But really...is it worth the bother?
 
Stevieo said:
Yes.

I once worked for a plasterer with one hand. Not only did he learn to plaster with one hand, it wasn't his "dominant hand"

The NHS made him a clamp thing to hold the hawk/handboard

It is possible.

But really...is it worth the bother?
Click to expand...
"dominant hand syndrome" ....... now that's a right old can of worms !
 
smt0911 said:
I’m quite willing to learn this as the whole aspect of plastering is intriguing and appeals to me however if it’s not meant to be then I’ll simply have to accept it, I’ve spoken to my GP with what you’ve suggested. I appreciate the response I’ll follow up with any solutions I find.
Click to expand...

If you’re determined then give it a go
 
Monkey Boy said:
Go to bed
Click to expand...
Jumping Good Night GIF by Party Down South
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top